REINVESTIR – Research and innovation in the field of plant species of agro-food, nutraceutical, and endangered interest in Sicily and Tunisia
EU Programme: INTERREG-NEXT Italia-Tunisia
Reference: A1-1.1-159 (CUP PRISM G73C25000220007)
Start date: 15/5/2025
End date: 14/4/2028
The REINVESTIR project promotes research, innovation, and cross-border cooperation between Sicily and Tunisia in the field of plant species of agro-food, nutraceutical, and endangered interest. It focuses on the rural areas of the Province of Palermo and the Governorate of Tunis—territories that share similar environmental, climatic, and socio-economic challenges.
The initiative aims to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation networks through collaboration among scientific institutions (INRGREF, CREA-DC, University of Palermo), agricultural training and development bodies (CFPAF, AFMT), and private partners (PRISM Impresa Sociale). Activities include scientific studies, experimentation in precision agriculture, training and support programmes for farms and SMEs, cross-border exchanges, and the creation of an economic and scientific hub dedicated to the valorisation of Mediterranean plants such as Moringa oleifera, Salvia officinalis, and Ziziphus spina-christi.
Through the digital dissemination of sustainable agricultural practices, REINVESTIR enhances business competitiveness, production diversification, biodiversity conservation, and the creation of new market opportunities in the agri-food, cosmetic, and phytotherapy sectors. The project contributes to the green transition and resilience of rural areas in Sicily and Tunisia, fostering inclusive growth and the enhancement of their shared Mediterranean heritage.
General objective
To create a cross-border ecosystem of research and innovation in the field of plant species of agro-food, nutraceutical, and endangered interest in Sicily and Tunisia.
Specific objective
To promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural and processing practices, the integration of digital technologies, and the joint development of market strategies in the sector of plant species of agro-food, nutraceutical, and endangered interest in Sicily and Tunisia.
- Valorization of the cross-border plant heritage: scientific protocols for plant species with high nutraceutical and health value;
- Rebalancing: capacity building and knowledge transfer;
- Innovation and experimentation: application of sustainable precision agriculture practices;
- Shared growth: integrated market strategies and creation of a cross-border economic and scientific cluster.
- Selection of genotypes of the plant species.
– Biochemical characterisation of the plant species.
– Definition of environmentally sustainable cultivation techniques.
– Identification of formulations for the development of innovative products.
– Evaluation of the effects of sage essential oil.
– In-depth study of Ziziphus spina-christi populations.
– Final report on the definition of all protocols. - Selection of farms and agri-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
– Training courses in Sicily and Tunisia for farms.
– Training courses in Sicily and Tunisia for micro, small and medium processing enterprises.
– Support to farms and MSMEs by researchers.
– Cross-border mobility in Tunisia among researchers, farms, and processing MSMEs.
– Environmental education workshops in schools in Sicily and Tunisia. - Soil analysis before sowing and collection of environmental and crop data.
– Data processing.
– Creation of thematic and prescription maps. - Establishment of a cross-border economic and scientific cluster focused on the production, processing, and marketing of plant species.
– Market study on the plant species under investigation.
– Market strategy.
– Technical consulting and market orientation services.
– Organisation of Euro-Mediterranean forums in Sicily and Tunisia.
– Commercial agreements.
The REINVESTIR project combines scientific expertise, technical capacity, and entrepreneurial know-how from both sides of the Mediterranean. The partnership brings together research institutes, training bodies, and private actors, creating a collaborative ecosystem capable of generating tangible innovation in the agri-food and nutraceutical sectors.
Human and material resources are directed towards applied research, specialized training, technology transfer, and the creation of cross-border networks. The targeted use of laboratories, infrastructures, and digital tools enables the testing of sustainable agricultural practices, the development of new products, and the valorisation of the studied plant species.
Results
- Improved scientific knowledge on plant species of agro-food, nutraceutical, and endangered interest (Moringa oleifera, Salvia officinalis, Ziziphus spina-christi).
- Definition and adoption of at least 5 scientific protocols for the sustainable cultivation, propagation, and processing of the studied plant species.
- Direct involvement of 40 farms and SMEs (20 in Sicily and 20 in Tunisia) in training, technology transfer, and experimentation with sustainable agricultural practices.
- Participation of 6 researchers (3 Italian and 3 Tunisian) in research, knowledge exchange, and cross-border mobility.
- Strengthened professional skills of farmers, processors, and technicians through at least 40 certified participations in joint training courses.
- Creation of a Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation network including at least 6 public and private organizations.
- Development of a cross-border economic and scientific cluster with joint market strategies for the valorisation of Mediterranean plant species.
- Organisation of 2 Euro-Mediterranean Forums (one in Sicily and one in Tunisia) to promote the project’s scientific and industrial results and foster new partnerships.
- Publication and dissemination of results through:
– 1 project website
– at least 4 digital newsletters
– 2 international press releases
– targeted social media campaigns (researchers, enterprises, schools, citizens). - Implementation of educational workshops in Sicily and Tunisia, involving students, teachers, and local communities to promote a culture of sustainability and biodiversity.
- Increased public and institutional awareness of the importance of scientific cooperation and the protection of Mediterranean plant species.
- Strengthened cross-border relations between Sicily and Tunisia, enhancing resilience, innovation, and competitiveness in the involved rural areas.
Co-experts
The co-experts of the REINVESTIR project are the core actors and community champions who actively contribute to achieving its goals. They include farmers, small and medium enterprises, students, local communities, and consumers engaged in the valorisation of Mediterranean plant species and the promotion of sustainable agricultural models.
By participating in training activities, pilot experiments, and knowledge-sharing actions, these co-experts play a central role in testing, adapting, and disseminating innovative solutions across Sicily and Tunisia. Their direct involvement ensures that research results are effectively translated into practice, fostering local ownership, social inclusion, and environmental awareness.
Partnership
CFPAF (Tunisia)
Keywords
Cross-border cooperation, Research and innovation, Nutraceutical plants, Sustainable agriculture, Precision farming, Biodiversity conservation, Knowledge transfer, Green transition, Rural development, SMEs empowerment, Mediterranean partnership, Circular economy.
Website
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Tags
Adults, Digitalisation, Green & Blue economy, Inclusion, Youth.
